I’ve been out of model making since the beginning of the year. I put it down to Covid but it’s really just apathy, lethargy and a massive dose of CBA
But my wishlist of tugs keeps growing and these models won’t make themselves, so it’s time to get back to work. Besides, you guys have had enough of a break from New Zealand tugs so it’s time for another one.
Not sure how long this one will take. I'm hoping that I'll get my mojo back when the project actually gets off the ground.First: A little background information...1960 – 2000 were the heydays of tug building in New Zealand. Before that, most of the tugs had come from British makers, to a British desgn. By 1960 the local NZ yards had developed the skills and size needed to compete with their British competitors. WWII had lead to great expansion in the industry and introduced many new techniques and skills in steel boat building. It was also about this time that many Harbour Boards were replacing aging fleets. Good times for all.
By the turn of the millenium cheaper, off-the-shelf, cookie-cutter design tugs from China, Singapore, Vietnam and Turkey had taken over the market. There’s nothing wrong with Damen, Sanmar and Allen designs – but they do lack a bit of individuality and character. It’s like a world with only Toyotas. Now if you visit another port it’s: same boat, maybe different colour, same, same.
1971 however, was a particularly good year for NZ tug builders, especially for Whangarei Engineering (WECO). They had orders for 5 tugs from 3 ports: Tika from Auckland (1st and 2nd photos, my last build); Kupe, Ngahue and Toia from my hometown (photos 3 & 4); and the Maui from New Plymouth. The Kupe class tugs were 31m and the Tika and Maui were both around 17m.
NZ made tugs had a reputation for being very well built. They were all custom made. The 5 tugs built by WECO that year were 3 totally different designs: 4 Voith & 1 twin screw; 3 different engine and towing systems. Even different galley and accomodation equipment and finishes. Even the 3 Kupe class tugs for Wellington all had different winches and fire-fighting systems. No standardisation or economies of scale. I guess that’s what eventually broke the industry in NZ – building a Mercedes for a Corolla price.
But in ‘71 things looked good and the tugs were duly delivered on time and on budget.
All 5 tugs are still working now, almost 50 years later. You don’t get old by being useless.